It will last for five turns if created using Drizzle (Generation VI onwards) or Rain Dance, or eight if created by a Pokémon holding a Damp Rock. If created using Drizzle (prior to Generation VI) or encountered in the overworld, it will last until replaced.

There is also a variation of rain called heavy rain (Japanese: 強い雨heavy rain). Heavy rain can be encountered in the overworld or created using Primordial Sea; if the latter, it lasts until the summoner is removed from the field (and no other Pokémon with Primordial Sea remain on the field), the summoner is rotated out in a Rotation Battle, the summoner has Primordial Sea suppressed or replaced, or extremely harsh sunlight or a mysterious air current are created by Desolate Land or Delta Stream respectively.

Variations

Normal rain

Strong rain

Rains falls heavily, at a lower angle than normal rain. It is found occasionally on Route 212.

The difference from normal rain is purely aesthetic.

Heavy rain

Rain falls heavily and chaotically, with strong winds whipping through the air. This variation only occurs in the field when Kyogre awakens in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

Thunderstorm

Rain falls heavily, much like strong rain does, and occasionally lightning will strike and thunder will rumble. It is found on Route 119 as part of the four-day weather cycle of rain, thunderstorm, rain, and clear. It can be found on Route 212 on occasion. It happens on predetermined days, such as the anniversaries of the game's release in each country. It also appeared on St. Patrick's Day; February 29, 2008; and Christmas Day (December 25). In Pokémon White, after the player obtains the Legend Badge, a thunderstorm will occur on Route 7, where the player may meet Thundurus. After the player has met Thundurus, thunderstorms will occur on whatever route Thundurus is currently roaming on.

Hurricane

Rain falls heavily, although at a normal angle, and periodically strong gusts of wind will blow. It is only found in Pokémon Black. After the player obtains the Legend Badge, a hurricane will occur on Route 7, where the player may meet Tornadus. After the player has met Tornadus, hurricanes will occur on whatever route Tornadus is roaming on.

In the anime

Like in the real world, rain is quite common, appearing in many episodes. Most of these occasions are not caused by Rain Dance or Drizzle. The first appearance of rain in the anime was in the first episode, Pokémon - I Choose You!. The first time it has appeared caused by a Pokémon was in A Shadow of a Drought.